On April 15, two U.S. Marines serving in a supporting role to border agents were accidentally killed during routine convoy movement along the southern border. Their final duty assignment: Lance Corporals Albert A. Aguilera, 22, of Riverside, CA and Marcelino M. Gamino, 28, of Fresno, CA, were assigned to the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division. In fact, they’re currently deployment-focused, even as they serve under Joint Task Force-Southern Border. This deployment comes after a national emergency declaration by former President Donald Trump in mid-January.
Trump’s national emergency was declared in response to what he termed “an invasion” of cartels and immigrants crossing into the United States from Mexico. Consequently, the administration has sent thousands of active-duty troops to the southern border. The initial contingent of 1,500 soldiers arrived at Fort Bliss in El Paso fortress on January 25. Today, that troop presence has jumped to about 6,600.
The deadly crash on March 9 also truthfully described as a routine convoy movement gone horribly wrong near Santa Teresa, New Mexico. After the crash, the three Marines rescued by fire authorities were airlifted to El Paso’s University Medical Hospital for treatment. Sadly, Aguilera and Gamino both later died from their injuries.
Read the full condolence statement from U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Tyrone A. Barrion on the passing of the two service members. He illustrated the deep scars their deaths have left on the military community.
“The loss of Lance Cpl. Aguilera and Lance Cpl. Gamino is deeply felt by all of us.” – U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Tyrone A. Barrion
Monday, U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar, the El Paso siting representative, voiced her sorrow over the tragic incident.
“I am saddened by the loss of two U.S. service members who were killed in yesterday’s accident in Santa Teresa,” – U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar
In fact, according to the latest numbers, illegal migrant crossings have reached a 45-year low. This is the case even as military deployments along the border have doubled. Specifically, the Trump administration is looking for ways to use Fort Bliss as a base for expanded deportation efforts.
Meanwhile, the military continues to move forward with its repressive mission on the border. The tragic deaths of Lance Corporals Aguilera and Gamino serve as a haunting reminder of the peril active duty Marines encounter in this dangerous mission.
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